The salt water pool is getting increasingly popular, since salt is less harsh on elastic (like in bathing suits) and can enhance your skin.
Below are a few steps of how you can maintain a salt water pool:
1. Stage 1
You can test the pool water for PH and Free Chlorine each week. The salt water may be tested by a drop test kit or with test strips. The level of Free Chlorine must be Chlorine 1 to 3 ppm. The chlorine may be adjusted by the output control on the cell or control box. The pH must be maintained at 7.2 to 7.6. The pH and can be lowered using muriatic or raised using baking soda or soda ash. Make sure you review your owner’s manual for specific right levels.
2. Stage 2
Test the pool water for Calcium, Alkalinity, Salt, and Stabilizer each month. The water may be tested by a drop test kit or with test strips. Make sure you review your owner’s manual for specific right levels and make alterations accordingly. Keep in mind: many salt chlorinators will show a salt reading. But it’s a good practice to analyze the salt yourself in the event the salt chlorinator has to be recalibrated.
3. Stage 3
To maintain the highest performance, you need to open and visually examine the cell every three months. Many salt chlorinators will remind you to carry this out by a flashing “Inspect Cell” light found on the control box. As soon as it is removed, examine the inside of the cell for debris or scale accumulation that might have bypassed the filter. If you cannot see any deposits, reinstall. If you can see deposits, try flushing the scale using a high-pressure garden hose. If this isn’t effective, use a wood or plastic tool (don’t use metal because this will scratch the coating off the plates) and scrape build-up off of plates.
If scraping and flushing are ineffective, a mild acid wash will be needed. Make sure you read your owner’s manual for specific guidelines. Most manufacturers recommend a water ratio of 4:1 to muriatic acid (a gallon of water to a quart of acid). Often add acid to water and never the other way round. You should pour the solution into a container to a level where the solution will reach the top of the cell, but not the cable. The cell must soak for a couple of minutes, after which you can rinse off using a garden hose. Reinstall cell as soon as it is cleaned.
4. Stage 4
You need to keep the skimmer, filter, and pump clean. The flow of water will be decreased if the skimmer, filter, or pump is filled with debris. If the flow of water is decreased considerably, the salt chlorinator is going to stop generating chlorine.
5. Stage 5
To winterize the salt chlorinator, the majority of manufacturers suggest that the salt cell and flow switch be removed from the plumbing and kept inside away from the outside weather. You will find dummy cells on the market, which can substitute the genuine salt cell in times of winter. The control box can tolerate freezing conditions and can remain installed. For climates that are warmer, where winterizing is not needed, run the pump constantly if a freeze is anticipated.
Do you want to enjoy your salt water pool? Follow these simple steps and have fun!
